The US military has finalized plans for new strikes on Iranian facilities, including the potential deployment of the GBU-43/B 'Mother of All Bombs'. These contingency options follow a period of active military engagement between the two nations. US airstrikes against Iran began more than six months prior to the report. Defense planners prepared the strike profiles to provide options for operations within the country. The military has not specified the locations targeted by these new plans. Officials continue to monitor the situation as the period of active strikes enters its seventh month.
The Mother of All Bombs
The GBU-43/B weighs approximately 21,600 pounds. This weapon stands as the largest non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal. Air Force officials designed the munition for high-yield conventional impact, utilizing its massive weight to maximize explosive force against fortified targets. Its integration into contingency planning reflects the military's intent to maintain a full range of strike capabilities for operations against Iranian facilities. The deployment profile for such a device requires specific aircraft and logistical support, given the dimensions and mass of the weapon. Defense planners included the system in the updated strike profiles to ensure that the US military holds options for high-intensity aerial engagements. The GBU-43/B remains a central component of the current non-nuclear inventory available for potential use in the ongoing military operations.
Historical Use and Precedent
President Donald Trump authorized the first combat use of the GBU-43/B in Afghanistan on 13 April 2017. The military deployment targeted Islamic State positions within the country. Afghan officials reported that the strike killed 36 Islamic State fighters and resulted in no civilian casualties.
Intelligence assessments from the US and Israel indicate that Iran stores components of its nuclear program at a site identified as Mount 'Pickaxe'. Defense planners continue to evaluate this location alongside other facilities within the current operational scope.
A White House official addressed the broader strategic approach regarding these targets. "The administration does not comment on sensitive military plans, while stressing that Trump is keeping all options on the table to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons," the official stated.
